Jayson Tatum has been upgraded on the Celtics' injury report for the first time this season, just a day before Boston hosts the Dallas Mavericks at TD Garden.
Tatum is officially listed as "Questionable" with right Achilles repair, per the Celtics. He's been ruled "Out" on every team injury report since May 12, 2025, when he ruptured the tendon against the New York Knicks in the NBA Playoffs.
His possible return date has been a months-long subject of speculation. Tatum underwent surgery in New York the very day after sustaining the injury, and has provided updates about his rehabilitation progress on social media, through commercials, and in a recent media availability following a practice with the Maine Celtics in Boston. In partnership with NBC, he's also released a five-part docuseries about his recovery titled 'The Quiet Work.'
Tatum and the Celtics have remained mum on whether or not he'd actually come back this season, even if all signs point towards a return. ESPN Insider Shams Charania shared on X that Tatum will play this season, and "has been described as ready to go and will inform the Celtics of a final decision over the next day."
The 28-year-old wing is an NBA champion, six-time NBA All-Star, four-time All NBA First Team, and NBA All-Star Game MVP.